Our Housewares Department is loaded like a baked potato with food prep necessities, home canning equipment and a dazzling selection of all things cast iron and enamelware. What’s old is new again at McLendon.

A gasoline engine drives the wheels as well as blades called tines used to break the soil. Wheel action and tine action is controlled separately.

Some models have tines that operate with a counter-rotating action.

Others use a forward rotating action, which is more common.

Till paths from 14 inches to 20 inches wide, depending on the size of the tiller and 6 inches or 8 inches deep.

The rear-tine tiller is used for larger gardens and its weight helps get the job done with little effort from the user. The engine is usually 4 hp to 8 hp and up, and sits in front of the tine. These tillers are heavy and large, but best for heavy-duty work.

The front-tine tiller works well for mid-sized areas and some confined spaces, although it can be difficult to maneuver. The engine is usually 3 to 5 hp. It is tough and affordably priced.

Tillers with two-cycle engines are lightweight, easy to handle, especially in tight spaces, and are easy to maintain. They are good for cultivating established flowerbeds and gardens.

Most tillers have forward and reverse speeds as well as depth adjustments. Some models have attachments that allow for different types of soil preparation.

Possible features include a bumper to protect the engine and electric start.

A single-stage blower uses a rotating, rubber tipped auger to pick up snow from driveways and sidewalks and throw it either forward or through a chute in a single motion.

Do not use a single-stage blower on gravel driveways, as the blower could pick up and sling stones.

A two-stage blower can be used on gravel and is best for large areas or deep snow. This blower operates by first picking up snow with a slow turning metal auger, then slinging it out a chute from a fast-spinning impeller. These types are usually self-propelled.

Desirable features include easy chute and deflector adjustment, headlights and folding handles for easy storage.

Choose the model based on the typical amount of snow in your area. For areas with 12 inches to 18 inches of snow, recommend a two-stage model with 7 to 9 hp. For areas with moderate accumulations, recommend a 5.5 to 8 hp machine. For a smooth surfaces and light snowfall, recommend a single-stage blower.

Household pesticides kill or repel pests that could come inside the home.

Improper application can have harmful effects on people and pets.

One popular type is the spray or fogger. These penetrate the cracks and crevices inside the house where insects nest. Users will need to leave the house for a period of time while the chemical works.

When using foggers, read the warning labels regarding use around open flames. The pilot lights on gas furnaces and appliances will ignite the insecticide if it reaches a high enough concentration in the home.

Pest repellents keep insects and rodents from entering the home. Common examples are sprays that repel dogs and wild animals from gardens and flowerbeds, or spray-on mosquito repellents that can be used on skin or clothing.

Pest traps will kill or confine rodents or insects. Common examples are the mousetrap and the roach trap. Traps incorporate some type of bait.

Poisons are ingested directly into the pest. Keep in mind they can also be harmful to household pets or small children.

Be sure to read the pesticide package carefully and follow all instructions.

Lawn insect control governors a variety of insects that destroy healthy lawn turf.

The active ingredient in some pesticides will remain active for months, eliminating the need for multiple applications.

Some products can be sprayed on while others are incorporated into a fertilizer in granular form.

Insects attacking lawns can be all shapes, colors and sizes, but they generally fall into two categories: surface-active (above ground) and soil active (below ground).

Examples of surface-active bugs are webworms, cutworms, army worms and chinch bugs.

Sod webworms damage lawns throughout the entire growing season by eating grass blades. Small moths flying in zigzag patterns across the lawn are a good indication these bugs are present.

Chinch bugs damage lawns when temperatures rise above 80°F. They attack grass stems and suck out plant juices. Lawns usually have to be reseeded.

Grubs are an example of soil active insects. They feed on grass roots, killing the grass in patches. White grubs become active when the soil warms up and they destroy lawns from late spring to early fall.

Many insects do not pose problems to lawns. Before you decide to use a pesticide, determine that the number of pests and potential damage and environmental impact justify the use of a pesticide.

Flat hoses lay flat until water pressure rounds it into a 5/8-inch hose.

Stores more easily and compactly than a conventional hose.

Must be completely extended before water will pass through and completely drained before storing.

Because it is drained after use, it is less susceptible to freezing and cracking and will not wear on edges.

Weight is one-third that of a conventional hose but delivers same amount of water.

One type is made with a polyurethane liner and a tightly woven polyester jacket. The liner is bonded to the jacket to reduce kinking and leaking. Another type has a construction similar to a conventional, reinforced vinyl hose.

Vinyl hoses are the most common type of hose and functions for most applications.

Reasonably priced.

The most common size garden hose sold is 5/8-inch diameter and 50 feet long.

The two-ply type is typically used as a promotional item and is susceptible to sun damage and deteriorates more rapidly than a rubber hose. It is lightweight and tends to kink easily.

The non-reinforced vinyl type is adequate for “open service” only, which means it is suitable for use with rotary or oscillating sprinklers, but is not recommended for use with any accessory featuring an integrated shut-off valve.

Single-bit axes are the most popular style of axe. They’re used to fell, trim or prune trees, to split or cut wood.

It’s easiest and safest axe for inexperienced woodcutters to use because it only has one cutting edge.

The other end of the head, the poll, forms a hammer for driving wooden or plastic stakes. It should never be used to strike splitting wedges, steel posts, stone or any hard object.

Handles for single-bit axes are curved to help increase leverage. Axe handles are made of hickory and range from 20 inches to 36 inches long. The most common is 36 inches.

Common head patterns include Michigan, Dayton, Kentucky, Connecticut and New Jersey.

The lawn and garden care glossary is a friendly introductory handshake for green thumbs of all hues. If you’ve been around the garden block a few times, you’re probably well versed in insecticides, herbicides, mulch, and more. But do you know the difference between Zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede, Bermuda, and fescue grasses? Wow, you do? Maybe you can write the next gardening glossary.